Workforce shortage in pharmaceutical industry
The pharmaceutical industry is facing a significant labor shortage, particularly in Europe. This trend is affecting not only large pharmaceutical companies but also small and medium-sized businesses in the industry.
With an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services, it has become crucial for businesses to find solutions to maintain productivity and maintain productivity.
According to a research report by IQVIA the pharmaceutical industry is facing a talent shortage across Europe,with an estimated shortage of up to 190,000 skilled workers by 2025. In Germany alone, the report estimates a shortage of up to 40,000 skilled workers by 2025. .
The report highlights the need for innovative solutions like reskilling and automationto address the talent shortage and maintain productivity in the industry. Big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Novartis and Sanofi expressed concerns about the labour shortage in areas such as research, development and sales.
One of the main reasons for the talent shortage is the lack of qualified personnel in certain areas, such as pharmaceutical research and development, the quality control, and regulatory affairs. The skills gap has also been attributed to the aging workforce, with many skilled workers reaching retirement age without enough young talent to replace them.
To address the labor shortage, businesses in the pharmaceutical industry need to focus on reskilling their existing workforce and attracting new talents through structured training programs, apprenticeships, and internships .
Reskilling can help employees adapt to new roles and responsibilities, and it can also help businesses retain their best talent. The pandemic has accelerated this need, and companies are now looking to invest in training programs that can upskill and reskill their employees to meet the new demands of the market.
Automation and innovative technology play an important role in addressing the talent shortage. Automation can help businesses streamline processes and reduce the need for manual labor, freeing up employees to focus on more complex tasks.
Innovative technology such as vending machines and pickup terminals can also be used to automate routine tasks, such as dispensing medications, offering consultancy and freeing up employees to focus on more specialized tasks.
Vending machines have the potential to reduce the labor shortage in pharmaciesby automating the dispensing of certain products,such as over-the-counter medications and other health-related items. This can be particularly useful in rural areas or smaller towns where it may be difficult to find a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant to work in a pharmacy.
See here Novartis strategy into attracting new talents and reskilling employees
A strategy used by Novartis to attract new talent in the context of the labor shortage is "Novartis Biome" program.This program is designed to bring together startups, academia, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry,to collaborate on innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.
As part of this program, Novartis offers a range of resources and support to startups and other partners, including access to Novartis expertise, facilities, and funding.By partnering with innovative startups and academic institutions, Novartis is able to tap into a broader pool of talent and bring new ideas and approaches into the company.
In addition to this program, Novartis has also focused on creating a more flexible and diverse workplace to attract and retain top talent. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and other benefits designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being .
In conclusion, the labor shortage in the pharmaceutical industry in Europe is a significant challenge that requires innovative solutions. By investing in reskilling, attracting new talent, and leveraging automation and technology, businesses can address the talent shortage and maintain productivity in the industry.
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